Some couples spend months poring over every wedding detail, struggling to define their style. Alexandra Coffman and Nate Foulds were not one of those couples. The pair met in 2013 and were engaged in 2015, but even before their engagement they had some ideas as to how they wanted their wedding to look: a fall ceremony at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown, followed by an elegant tented reception. “We wanted a neutral space, but also wanted it to feel like we weren’t in a backyard somewhere,” said Alexandra.
A quick check of fall availability at the church led them to their wedding date. From there, they booked their reception at the Field Club in Katama, of which Alexandra's parents are members. They were on their way, but the pair lead busy lives in New York and knew they would need help coordinating a party for 220 guests. They developed a divide-and-conquer strategy and assembled a team of experts.
“I thought it was important to each pick a few things that are important to you, and don’t spend your energy on the rest of it,” Nate explained. For him, that included the music selection and beverages. “We spent the better part of the six months purchasing and collecting beer from our favorite breweries around New York and Boston,” said Alexandra. Nate also made blackberry jam for a signature cocktail. Alexandra handled logistics.
To complete their vision, Tea Lane Farm was given free rein to create abundant floral installations. Caterer V. Jaime Hamlin was asked to bring a smoker to prepare short ribs and swordfish on site. Kristen Gosselin of KG Events & Design served as wedding planner, with an assist from Alexandra’s mother. “Kristen and her team were fabulous,” said Alexandra. “Between her and my mom, it made it relatively stress free because we had amazing help.”
The morning of the wedding, everyone's efforts were evident. Alexandra and her bridesmaids dressed at her parents' house in Katama, then made their way to the church for an interfaith ceremony tinged with laughter. The tent at the Field Club took on the glamour of a ballroom. Overall, she said, it exceeded expectations.“When people hear that it's a tent wedding, they think that it’s a backyard tent wedding. It was fun to show them that it can be something else.”
Details
Wedding Planner: KG Events & Design
Ceremony: Old Whaling Church
Reception: The Field Club
Photographer: Ruth Eileen
Caterer: V. Jaime Hamlin and Sons Catering & Party Design
Cake: Val Cakes
Music: The Sultans
Flowers: Tea Lane Farm
Tent + Party Supplies: Big Sky Tent and Party Rentals
Transportation: MV Sightseeing + Stagecoach Taxi
Hair + Makeup: Sea Spa Salon
Bridal Party Gifts: Canvas bags + MV coffee mugs + pajamas
Gift Bags: Black Dog granola bars + Not Your Sugar Mamas chocolate bars
Accommodations: Edgartown Commons + Harbor View Hotel + Kelley House
Rehearsal Dinner: Dr. Daniel Fisher House
Rehearsal Dinner Caterer: Buckley’s Gourmet Catering
Welcome Party: The Boathouse
Brunch: Harbor View Hotel
Honeymoon: Thailand
Their Best Advice: “Go with the flow and trust your vendors! And always be ready for the chance of rain.”
